GM says that 50,000 people intend to buy a Chevy Volt

General Motors anticipates that there are 50,000 waiting customers for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, judging by the number of people who registered at the website, indicating a “strong intention” to purchase one.

While Vice Chairman of Marketing Bob Lutz is holding these registrants to their intention, it remains highly likely that quite a few will be turned off by the estimated $40,000 price tag. When that happens, demand will far outstrip the initial supply. Lutz says that GM will be producing 10,000 Volts next year but by 2011, will increase production up to 50,000 units or so. This summer, GM had launched its “230″ campaign. “230” comes from the Volt’s preliminary EPA rating (230 mpg). If you’re one of those who can’t wait to drive a Volt, Lutz said that it’s possible GM would leverage early production cars in a system similar to the Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell’s “Project Driveway.” The system loans cars to consumers before the Volt reaches dealers.